Godox X3 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger User Manual

Names of Parts

The Godox X3 S features the following components:

• 1. Touch Screen: The primary interface for controls and information display.
• 2. Select Dial: Used for adjusting values and navigating menus.
• 3. [M/Power Button]: Powers the device on/off and is used for menu navigation.
• 4. [Test Button]: Triggers a test flash.
• 5. USB-C Charging/Firmware Upgrading Port: For charging the battery and updating firmware.
• 6. [Installing/Detaching Button]: Used to attach or detach the trigger from the camera's hot shoe.
• 7. Mounting Slot: Connects to the camera's hot shoe.
• 8. Hot Shoe Camera Connection: The interface that connects to the camera.

Important Tips: If abnormalities occur, press the Select Dial [2] and Test Button [4] simultaneously to reset the system. Then, press and hold the Power Button [3] to restart. To detach the trigger, press and hold the Installing/Detaching Button [6] and slide the trigger horizontally off the hot shoe.

What's Inside

The package contains:

• Flash Trigger × 1
• USB-C Charging Cable × 1
• Storage Bag × 1
• Instruction Manual × 1

Display Panel

The touch screen displays various information and controls:

• 1. Channel (32): Displays the current wireless channel (1-32).
• 2. Camera Connection: Indicates if the trigger is connected to the camera.
• 3. Sync Icons:
  • ⚡️ ([High Speed Sync Icon]): Indicates High Speed Sync is active.
  • ⏩ ([Rear Curtain Sync Icon]): Indicates Rear Curtain Sync is active.
  • ⏪ ([Front Curtain Sync Icon]): Indicates Front Curtain Sync is active.
• 4. Modeling Lamp Master Control: Controls the modeling lamp for groups.
• 5. Buzz: Indicates the status of the buzzer function.
• 6. Battery Level Indicator: Shows the remaining battery power.
• 7. Output Power Level: Displays the current flash power setting.
• 8. Exposure Compensation Value: Shows the Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) setting.
• 9. Parameters [+/- Buttons]: Used to adjust values.
• 10. Parameters [+/- Buttons]: Used to adjust values.
• 11. Group's Modeling Lamp: Controls the modeling lamp for individual groups.
• 12. Group: Displays the active group(s).

The display can show multiple groups or a single group, with options for various settings like Wireless, Sync, Shoot, Auto Off, Trigger Dist, Step, TCM, ZOOM, Screen, Language, Reset, and Device Info.

Touch Operation Instruction

The screen parameters can be adjusted via touch operations:

• Slide up/down on the main interface to view power steps or flash exposure values for multiple groups.
• From the main interface, slide down and tap ✨ ([Multi Button]) to enter multi-flash settings.
• From multi-flash settings, slide down and tap ? ([Home Button]) to return to the main interface.
• From any interface, slide down and tap ⚙️ ([Settings Button]) to enter C.Fn. menu settings.
• Slide left-to-right in a menu to return to the previous interface or main interface.
• In single-group display, slide left-to-right to switch to multi-group display.
• In single-group display, slide up/down to switch between groups.
• Press Ⓜ️ ([M Button]) to switch to TTL auto flash mode; press ⚡️ ([TTL Button]) to switch to M manual flash mode.
• Use the progress bar to quickly adjust power steps or flash exposure values.
• Press ➖ to decrease values; press ➕ to increase values.
• Press ? ([Lock Icon]) to lock the screen. Press and hold for 2 seconds to unlock.
• Tap ◀️ ([Buzzer Icon]) and ? ([Modeling Lamp Icon]) to turn functions on/off (indicated by lighting up).

Power Switch

Press and hold the Ⓜ️ ([Power Button]) until the "Godox" logo appears to turn on the device. Press and hold the same button until the screen goes black to turn it off. For power saving, set the standby time (30/60/90 min) in ⚙️ ([Settings Button]) > ? ([Auto Off Button]). Charge the trigger if the battery is low.

Channel and ID Settings

To avoid interference, you can adjust the wireless channel and ID.

Channel Setting

From the main interface, slide down to ⚙️ ([Settings Button]), then tap ⚙️ ([Settings Button]) to enter C.Fn. menu. Alternatively, press Ⓜ️ ([Power Button]) to display ⚙️ ([Settings Button]) and tap it. Then, tap ? ([Wireless Button]) to enter wireless settings. Slide the #️⃣ ([CH Slider]) to select a channel from 1 to 32. Slide left-to-right or press Ⓜ️ ([Power Button]) to return to the main interface. Ensure the flash trigger and receiver are set to the same channel.

ID Setting

In the wireless settings menu, slide the ? ([ID Slider]) to set the ID from OFF to 1-99. Slide left-to-right or press Ⓜ️ ([Power Button]) to return to the main interface.

Wireless Sync

To quickly synchronize channels and IDs between the X3 S and a Lux Master flash, press the "Wireless Sync" button on the X3 S, then press the wireless sync icon on the Lux Master. Ensure the wireless function is enabled on both devices.

Scanning Spare Channel Settings

To avoid interference, use the scan function. In wireless settings, tap ? ([Scan Button]). Six spare channels will be displayed. Tap your desired channel to set it automatically.

ZOOM Value Setting

In the C.Fn menu, tap ?️ ([ZOOM Button]) to enter ZOOM setting. Adjust the zoom value from Auto to 24mm-200mm.

Sync Mode Setting

In the C.Fn menu, tap ⏩ ([Sync Mode Button]) to select between Front Curtain Sync and High Speed Sync. Rear Curtain Sync must be set on the camera.

Shooting Mode Setting

In the C.Fn menu, tap ? ([Shooting Mode Button]) to select between One-Shoot Mode and All-Shoot Mode.

• One-Shoot Mode: In M and Multi modes, the trigger sends only triggering signals, saving power. Suitable for single-person photography.
• All-Shoot Mode: The trigger sends parameters and triggering signals. Suitable for multi-person photography but consumes power quickly. This mode applies only to groups A-E.

Group Setting

From the main interface, slide to the bottom and tap the group icon to enter group selection. You can select groups A-F and 0-9. The main interface then displays multi-group parameters. Tap a group's output power to enter detailed settings for that group (power level, flash mode, modeling lamp).

Power Settings (Output Value)

Multi-group Display (M Mode): Press ➕ to increase output power for all selected groups simultaneously, or ➖ to decrease. Values change from Min. to 1/1 or Min. to 10 in 0.1 or 1/3 step increments. Adjustment is limited if a group reaches its minimum or maximum level. A progress bar allows quick adjustment.

Single-group Display (M Mode): Press ➕ to increase or ➖ to decrease output power for a specific group. Values change from Min. to 1/1 or Min. to 10 in 0.1 or 1/3 step increments. A progress bar allows quick adjustment. Note: Min. refers to the minimum output value, which can be set to 1/128, 1/256, 1/512, 3.0, 2.0, or 1.0.

Flash Exposure Compensation Setting

Multi-group Display (TTL Mode): Press ➕ to increase FEC for all selected groups, or ➖ to decrease. Values range from -3 to 3 in 1/3 step increments. A progress bar allows quick adjustment. Adjustment is limited if a group reaches its minimum or maximum FEC.

Single-group Display (TTL Mode): Press ➕ to increase or ➖ to decrease FEC for a specific group. Values range from -3 to 3 in 1/3 step increments. A progress bar allows quick adjustment. Note: TTL mode is auto flash mode.

Multi Flash Setting (Output Value, Times, and Frequency)

From the main interface, slide down to ✨ ([Multi Button]) to enter multi-flash settings.

• Output Power: Press ➕ to increase or ➖ to decrease output power (Min. to 1/4 or Min. to 8.0 in integer steps). A progress bar allows quick adjustment.
• Flash Times: Adjust flash times from 1 to 100.
• Flash Frequency (Hz): Adjust flash frequency from 1 to 199.
• Group A/B/C/D/E: Select one or multiple groups (up to five).

Note: Flash times are limited by output value and frequency. Min. refers to the minimum output value (1/128, 1/256, 1/512, 3.0, 2.0, or 1.0).

Modeling Lamp Setting

• When displaying multiple groups, slide down and tap ? ([Modeling Lamp Icon]) to turn the modeling lamp on/off for all groups. If a group's lamp is off, it cannot be controlled with others.
• When displaying a single group, tap ? to switch between OFF, ON, or PROP auto mode. In PROP auto mode, brightness adjusts with flash brightness.
• When the modeling lamp is on, press ➕ to increase brightness or ➖ to decrease it. A progress bar adjusts brightness from 10 to 100.

Note: Supported models include GSII, SKII, SKIIV, QSII, QDII, DEII, DPII series, DPIII series, AD200, AD600 (after upgrade), and newer models with modeling lamps.

Buzz Setting

From the main interface, slide down to display ? ([Buzzer Icon]), or press Ⓜ️ ([Power Button]) to display ?. Tap to turn the buzzer function on/off. ? indicates ON; ❌ indicates OFF.

Locking Function

From the main interface, slide down to display ? ([Lock Icon]), or press Ⓜ️ ([Power Button]) to display ?. Tap to lock the screen. When locked, operations are unavailable. Press and hold the screen or select dial for 2 seconds to unlock.

Setting Custom Functions

From the main interface, slide down to ⚙️ ([Settings Button]) to enter custom function settings. The following table lists available and unavailable custom functions:

Compatible Flash Models

The Relationship of XT Wireless System and X1 Wireless System

The XT-16 system uses code switches for channel settings (CH01-CH16), while the X1 system uses a display screen for channel selection. Both systems can be used together, ensuring compatibility.

Compatible Camera Models

This flash trigger is compatible with the following Sony camera models:

a99, a77, a350, a77II, a7II (V4.0), A7r3, A7r4, A7m3, a9, a6000, RX10, a7R, a6400

Note: This list includes tested models; other Sony cameras may also be compatible. Self-testing is recommended for other models. Rights to modify this table are retained.

Technical Data

Firmware Upgrade

Firmware can be upgraded via the USB-C port. Visit the official Godox website for the latest firmware and the "Godox G3 V1.1 firmware upgrade software".

Upgrading Instructions:

• Power On Status: Connect X3 S to a computer via USB-C cable and click "Firmware Upgrade" on the screen.
• Power Off Status: Press and hold the adjust dial, then connect X3 S to the computer via USB-C cable to enter firmware upgrade mode.

Note: If abnormalities occur during upgrading (screen turns black), re-plug the USB cable, press and hold the test button and select dial simultaneously, release the test button only, until "Upgrading" appears. Then, upgrade via USB cable.

Attentions and Troubleshooting

• Unable to trigger flash or camera shutter: Ensure the power is on. Check if the flash trigger and receiver are on the same channel, if the hot shoe mount or connection cable is secure, and if the flash trigger is in the correct mode.
• Camera shoots but does not focus: Check if the camera's focus mode is set to MF. If so, set it to AF.
• Signal disturbance or shooting interference: Change the channel on the device.

Reasons & Solutions for Not Triggering in Godox 2.4G Wireless:

1. 2.4G Signal Interference: Adjust the channel (add 10+ channels) or turn off other 2.4G devices.
2. Flash Recycle/Overheat: Ensure the flash has recycled and is not in overheat protection. Downgrade flash power or switch from TTL to M mode (preflash required for TTL).
3. Trigger Too Close (<0.5m): Enable "close distance wireless mode" on the trigger and set triggering distance to 0-30m.
4. Low Battery: Charge or replace batteries in the trigger and receiver.

Caring for Flash Trigger

• Avoid sudden drops, shocks, or impacts.
• Keep dry; the product is not waterproof. Avoid soaking or high humidity to prevent malfunction, rust, or corrosion.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes. Condensation can occur; use a handbag or plastic bag when moving between environments of different temperatures.
• Keep away from strong magnetic fields, which can cause malfunction.

Declaration of Conformity

GODox Photo Equipment Co.Ltd. declares that this equipment complies with essential requirements and provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. This product is allowed for use in all EU member states. For more information, visit: https://www.godox.com/eu-declaration-of-conformity/. The device complies with RF specifications when used at 0mm from the body.

Operating Frequency: 2412.99MHz – 2464.49MHz

Maximum EIRP Power: 9.52dBm

FCC Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any changes not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. It generates radio frequency energy and may cause interference if not installed and used per instructions. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician. The device meets general RF exposure requirements for portable use.

Warranty Information

This warranty card is an important certificate for maintenance service. Please fill it out with the seller and keep it safe. The warranty applies to products listed on the Product Maintenance Information. Other items like promotional gifts are not covered.

Warranty Period: Calculated from the purchase date.

How to Get Maintenance Service: Contact the product distributor, authorized service institution, or Godox after-sale service. A valid warranty card is required. Service may be provided without it if confirmed within scope, but it's not an obligation.

Inapplicable Cases: Warranty does not apply to expired products, damage from misuse, unauthorized repair, modification, lack of valid warranty card, illegal software use, force majeure, or accidents. Normal wear, discoloration, and consumption are not covered.

Maintenance and Service Support:

Godox After-sale Service Call: +86-755-29609320(8062)